Hamas Wants to Prolong the War

Millions of Christians around the world continue to pray for peace in and around Israel. But there seems to be little understanding of the true nature of this conflict, which includes multiple groups of Iranian-backed extremists determined to destroy the State of Israel.

The United States administration continues efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, as well as reach a political resolution to the Hezbollah-Israel conflict.

Amos Hochstein visited Israel on Monday, only to be told:

“The possibility for an agreement is running out as Hezbollah continues to ‘tie itself’ to Hamas …
the only way left to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes, will be via military action.”

Antony Blinken is due to travel to Egypt on Tuesday for discussions on another attempt to achieve an elusive Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, but recent developments suggest there is no chance of success.

The leader of Hamas has broken his silence three times in the last week, most recently to congratulate Ansar Allah and the Houthis for their missile attack on Israel on Sunday.

In a letter, Yahya Sinwar congratulated them for:

“surpassing all layers and systems of defence and interception, to reignite the intensity
of the battle of Al-Aqsa Flood and its impact on the heart of Tel Aviv once again.”

He went on to say:

“We have prepared ourselves for a prolonged war of attrition that will break
the enemy’s political will, just as the Al-Aqsa Flood broke its military will.”

There is clearly no hint of the Hamas leader being prepared for a ceasefire.

In the meantime, Israel’s government has added a fourth goal to its war objectives: ‘Returning the residents of the north securely to their homes.’

This report by i24 News covers the debate going on within Israel over a military operation to achieve that goal.